KIESHA B. FREE | Cultural Catalyst
Be Rooted
Kiesha is a strategic cultural worker devoted to building things that positively affect people’s lives - platforms, experiences, and ecosystems rooted in care, alignment, and shared responsibility.
Her work is informed by her expertise in business development, culture strategy, executive communications, and people operations along with her belief in the power of artistry to fuel movements. Through grassroots leadership, board service, and community activation, Kiesha works to bridge the gap between dominant culture and human care, using her platform to elevate voices, mobilize resources, and shape more equitable, joyful systems of belonging.
If you’re looking to collaborate on cultural work promoting care, equity, and connection, Kiesha would love to hear from you.
HEY, BLACK SEATTLE!
Hey, Black Seattle! is a digital and real-world community platform that Kiesha founded to help the ~300,000 Black residents of the Central Puget Sound region find belonging, resources, and culturally affirming experiences in a place that can often feel isolating. The platform brings together events, job opportunities, local businesses, cultural programming, and community storytelling in one trusted, accessible space - designed specifically for Black life in the region.
Hey, Black Seattle! serves as culturally specific community infrastructure. It combines a data-driven digital hub with connection-focused live experiences to increase belonging, visibility, and access to opportunity.
ARTS & CULTURAL
ADVOCACY
Kiesha believes in the transformative power of the arts to shift narratives and inspire change.
She currently serves on the board of Ase’ Theatre, supporting Black-centered theatrical work that affirms and expands the cultural imagination and is a proud community partner of Arte Noir, a fine art gallery and retail space preserving and stimulating Black culture in Seattle’s historic Central District. She has also served as a founding board member of the Live Music Project, an organization that democratizes access to live classical music. (Click their logos to learn more.)
Through volunteerism, thought partnership, and event hosting, Kiesha continues to invest in the cultural ecosystems that hold our stories and our dreams.
COMMUNITY
ENGAGEMENT
From her prior role as Chief Champion for Dress for Success Seattle to emceeing community events that promote equity culture and care, Kiesha shows up for the causes she believes in.
She regularly provides her time and talent to events focused on cultural upliftment, community care, and collective healing, using her gifts as a host and storyteller to support mission-driven work. Her community partners have included organizations like Bridge Every Gap (community wellness), Cierra Sisters (breast cancer), and Soka Tribe (Caribbean culture + fitness). Click their logos to learn more.
